Pressure washer recommendations

Grifffx4

Grifffx4

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I'm starting to shop around for a PW. I'd like to use it for myself and part-time side jobs as I start out doing detail jobs. I specifically would like to use a foam cannon as well as usual uses.

How many PSI?
Electric or Gas?
Good brands?

Thanks
 
There are so many factors in making a pressure washer decision. I personally have a Karcher-X electric, which is a good brand. My best advice is to google the question and read from as many websites as possible. That's how I made mine.
 
KenR said:
There are so many factors in making a pressure washer decision. I personally have a Karcher-X electric, which is a good brand. My best advice is to google the question and read from as many websites as possible. That's how I made mine.
Click to expand...

I refering to specifically detailing use and use on autos. Easy portability, not too strong, etc
 
I went with a Walmart cheapo Karcher over 2 years ago. Still works perfectly.
 
Agree with swanicyouth. The various Karcher machines are ones to consider. I've connected a foam cannon to it. This is if you are not using the machine on more constant basis. If you get more side jobs then maybe something more robust might be in order.
 
The Pressure Washer Direct website may also help you with your decision.
 
I know there are several discussions on here alone to help you decide.

I personally decided on an electric one since I was using it specifically for detailing, and went with a Greenworks and am very happy with it. If it's for your car or truck, you don't need a ton of PSI.
 
I have an AR383 and that works perfect for me. Comes with a hose reel, longer cord than most, and is all self contained.
 
I guess I am on the otherside of the fence and I love my gas powered unit. I use my pressure washer for other things around the house so the extra PSI is beneficial. I recommend buying your pressure washer from Costco because the failure rate on pressure washers is pretty high and Costco has a great return policy.
 
also see his other video

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BIyE4UkQJY]Little electric pressure washer - YouTube[/video]
 
I had an electric one from walmart. It was the worst investment ive ever made... I spent more time fixing it then i ever did using it. I used it a total of 5 times and then i had enough. I just got done polishing the chrome cleaning the windows and dressing the trim and i was about half way done applying the wax and then the damn hose popped and soaked my whole truck. Im a very happy go lucky person by nature and i never lose my temper. But this instance i became so furious that i picked the pressure washer up and gorilla slammed it into the trash can busting it to pieces. I now have a gas powered honda pressure washer and i couldnt be happier.
 
Take some advise .....

If your on this site , then most likely you'll look at a foam canon down the line..

Stay away from PW''s that don't have a quick connect on their wand..

Some electric PW , like AR and Campbell Hausweld are made from different countries and trying to connect something is a jigsaw puzzle

and most likely will leak!!

good luck
 
mikesal57 said:
Take some advise .....

If your on this site , then most likely you'll look at a foam canon down the line..

Stay away from PW''s that don't have a quick connect on their wand..

Some electric PW , like AR and Campbell Hausweld are made from different countries and trying to connect something is a jigsaw puzzle

and most likely will leak!!

good luck
Click to expand...


Thanks, I have already been looking at the foam cannon.


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mikesal57 said:
Take some advise .....

If your on this site , then most likely you'll look at a foam canon down the line..

Stay away from PW''s that don't have a quick connect on their wand..

Some electric PW , like AR and Campbell Hausweld are made from different countries and trying to connect something is a jigsaw puzzle

and most likely will leak!!

good luck
Click to expand...

My ar was easy as pie not sure what your referring to but if you buy the cannon from them it's the same MTM cannon everyone else sells (for more money most of them too) with the adapter attached to it.
 
EVOlved said:
My ar was easy as pie not sure what your referring to but if you buy the cannon from them it's the same MTM cannon everyone else sells (for more money most of them too) with the adapter attached to it.
Click to expand...


Yes, AR got smart and made their own
I have the Campbell Hausweld and its been an adventure to get it together..
Got it finally assembled but cant try it out because its raining :o
 
Just my opinion but if you're looking at a pressure washer for detailing applications I'd pay more attention to flow volume (GPM) rather than PSI. IMO 1400 PSI is plenty but 1.25 or 1.3 GPM is very marginal. Personally, I'd try to get close to 2.0 GPM, 1.5 GPM as a bare minimum.
 
If it's still there, look at the B.E. prosumer pressure washer at pressurewashersdirect.com that had some good reviews.

It was not in stock when I purchased mine a while ago, but it was one that I strongly considered purchasing at the time. Very good 1.5GPM flow, reinforced SS braided pressure hoses, nice long cord, very small and portable, and plenty of PSI for detailing work. Also, they claim the pump can be rebuilt should it fail, where most consumer level pumps failures result in trashing the whole unit.

If you are looking at an MTM foam cannon, MTM makes 2 types that look identical. If you go electric, look for the model with the lower rated GPM and PSI threshold. I have found it produces much better foam than the higher rated model. The big trick I've found with foam cannons is to:

A) get the biggest feed hoses you can with the shortest runs manageable to the machine to get the most flow possible.

B) Get as free flowing quick connects as possible. Never use the ones with the stopper in the middle. Brass seems to be the only good option for high flow ones. Buy all of the necessary parts at once, and then a few extra, as no brands seem to interchange well at all.

C) When foaming if you want the really thick creamy foam, back away from the vehicle and spray at a distance of 6 ft or so. For less foamy, more watery foam, get closer. It seems the distance allows the soap to agitate more and foam up, but once it hits a surface the foam doesn't seem to thicken at all. At least that has been my experience. I use less dense, more watery foam for a presoak, and the foamy stuff for just before the mitt hits the car for extra smoothness on the mitt-glide.

D) when you get your cannon, just open the aeration vent to full. None of the soaps I've used seem to foam well unless it's full bore open.

After that, you just have to play with the soap to water ratios to get what you consider the perfect foam.
 
I was asking about the PSI because I don't know what psi is too high for paint and auto detailing. I want something strong enough but nothing that will (joking here) peel the paint.

Thanks for the GPM tip. I didn't really know how important that was if I was working off a water line. I fig it was important for working with portable water.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapat
 
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